Joseph Antone Christian, age 65, passed away surrounded by his family, on Jan. 16, 2018, after a short battle with cancer.

He was born on April 13, 1952, in Morton, Wash. to Maurice and Helen (Hansen) Christian. The only male of 4 siblings, his sisters nicknamed him “Jody,” much to his chagrin.

He found employment with the City of Westport and completed the Police Academy in March 1980. He settled there with his wife Shelly (Riba) Christian of 39 yrs. and together they had five children. He was devoted to work and family. Working his way up the ranks, Joe retired a Lieutenant in 2014.

Joe enjoyed being with his family, especially sitting and watching his grandbabies play. He was a great storyteller, oftentimes reciting them while driving on family vacations. His most memorable stories were created simply from road signs like “falling rock” and “running deer.” His favorite past times were fishing and target shooting.

He was preceded in death by both parents, and a sister, Nellie (Russell) Stallman.

He is survived by two sisters, Mary (Milt) Rowin and Colleen (Bill) Zupancic; five children, Sadie (Jared) Rockey, Jennifer Christian, Lisa (Josh) Land, Joseph Christian, Kevin (Wendy) Christian; 14 grandkids, Kobe, Maya, Colton, Taylor, Waylen, Halen, Dylan, Tucker, Anna, Liam, Jaxon, Kade, Sariah, and Josie, who all lovingly called him “Poppy.”

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Jan. 26, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the Church of St. Joseph’s in Chehalis, Wash. Burial will follow at Rainey Valley Cemetery in Glenoma. The family will greet friends, immediately following the burial, at the Randle Fire Hall.

His kids will always remember Joe ending all conversations with, “Kiss your babies for me!”